Since my childhood, growing up in Wyoming and later moving to Eastern Washington, I have always had a love for animals (big and small, furry and feathered, domestic pets and nature’s creatures).

I remember the eclectic group of pets who shared my bedroom, calling it "home" ~ Mitzi, our cat and her kittens, the 6 chicks that grew to be chickens, and a turtle.

As I grew up, my compassion for animals grew as well. Whether it was our family’s special dogs and cats; or a Sheepdog abandoned at a rest stop, a bunny needing a home, or a baby bird who fell out of the tree ... I was always surrounded by critters. My parents always said that I should be a Veterinarian.

I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career and returned to the beautiful northwest after "my tour of duty" with Patches, my first rescue dog. She was my inspiration and guiding force to help other animals.

After a friend of a friend's black lab had 12 puppies, I fostered my first puppy.  The little guy was returned because the person realized she didn't have the time to raise a puppy. (If only I knew then, what I know now about the importance of the "right fit" for the pet and the people.)

After Yohani went to his new forever home, I wanted to help other dogs who needed a second chance and a place to call home until they were adopted.  So, I was on Petfinder one night and saw this adorable yellow lab pup. I called the rescue organization and asked "Do you ever need a foster mom?"  The lady thought I was kidding at first and then said an angel dropped out of the sky.

The next day we met at the shelter and I picked up Sonny, a young, very scared Border Collie/Heeler mix. With some TLC, he quickly gained confidence and became quite the character.  He was so smart and had us trained very quickly ...  when and where to throw his tennis ball (which was all the time) and preferably into the bath tub!

And the rest is history ... Over the years, I have volunteered and fostered dogs with the Spokane Humane Society, SCRAPS, Spokanimal, and other local rescue groups. In addition, I am a member of several national and local animal welfare groups.  (Check out “Pet Adoption and Charities” for a few of my favorites.)

Whether I am a "foster mom" for a dog (or dogs); raising funds and donations for vet care, food, toys, and other supplies; to advocating, networking, finding rescue options and transporting animals, or helping lost or abandoned animals … there are so many great animals that need help and deserve a "second chance." 

Speaking of “second chances,” I too, now have the opportunity to live my long-time dream of owning my own business. And most importantly, being able to utilize my passion and skills to provide professional pet care. I want to share with other pets and their pet parents, the same quality of care that my own growing family of “rescued fur-kids” receive.

As my friends tell me, “you have a gift ~ do what you love and live the dream!"

And here I am! 

~ Barb Baumann 

"Home Sweet Home Pet Services and More!"

Insured and Bonded through

PSI - Business Insurers of the Carolinas

Licensed

Proud official member of:

Professional Pet Sitters International

   Professional United Pet Sitters, LLC.

Professional Development:

 - ASCPA - Meet your Match and SAFER training with Emily Wiese

- Sophia Yin, DVM - "Low Stress Handling, Restraint, and Behavior Modification", author of "How to Behavior So Your Dog Behaves"

- HEART - First Aid for Pet's

- HEART - Compassion Fatigue for Animal Caregivers

Meet Our Family

 Who Rescued Who? 

 BENTLEY

Rescued from the shelter after being found tied to a light pole in a parking lot of an abandoned store with his littermate.  His buddy was quickly adopted and Bentley's world turned upside down.  He is a very special guy who is afraid of the world around him and very sensitive to people's voice tones, quick movements and their emotions.  He has come a long way in the last 6 years, but still is NOT OK with fireworks/gunshots and other loud noises, some new people and skateboards (I can't imagine why).  He loves all other dogs and cats! He has earned the "title" of top dog with the rest of our 4 legged family.

CHEVY

Originally named "Naked Dog" by the shelter, he was rescued by a fellow volunteer and foster mom who renamed him Chevy (cuz he was a far cry from a Cadillac at that time).  Chevy was abandoned, most likely by his owner who didn't want to deal with his health issues.  He is allergic to the world; just about every type of food, grass, weed, tree, and mold common in this area.  Despite his allergies, he is a very happy lab, who loves everyone, going to the lake, walks and jogs, playing with other dogs, but most of all ... he loves hanging out with people. 

SABRINA 

Abandoned in Palisades Park on a hiking trail with coyotes lurking - just a kitten herself and very pregnant.  With-in 1 1/2 hours of my "scooping" her up, she gave birth to 5 babies.  Sabrina is named for her "magical" spirit and her "female calico" characteristics. Every thing is on her terms; when she wants food, water, or attention and with whom.  It is all about her, don't you know!  She thinks she is the "head of the house" and keeps us all in line.  She also uses her magical powers with the abandoned cats in our neighborhood.

OBI-WAN

Abandoned by his people when they moved away; he was left to fend for himself.  He is named after Obi-Wan Kanobe - "may the force be with you." After getting him neutered, he was not ready to join civilization and is a "TNR" cat, releasing him back outdoors to the life he knew.  Finally, after 18 months of regular meals and keeping an "intrigued" eye on Sabrina; he let me pet him.  And later that fall, he moved into the garage for the winter.  Today, over 2 1/2 years later, he uses the dog door, sleeps on my legs, and has  made himself right at home.  

In Loving Memory

 Leaving paw prints on our heart!

PATCHES

Rescued from her owner who planned to have her disappear in the middle of the night after she was no longer a "cute" puppy.  Patches was my best friend and inspiration for over 13 1/2 years.  She hung with me through the good times and the bad.  She was  spirited, determined and at times, stubborn. She was always a "LA girl" at heart, thought she was human, loved hanging out, going for walks and out to the lake ~ living life to the fullest.

KEETCHA

Rescued after being surrended to the shelter by a family member because he was moving. Keetcha, a beautiful senior (10-12 years old) literally teetered into our lives with arthritis, loss of balance, & mini-seizures.  Within acouple weeks of TLC and good food, her eyes were clear & sparkled.  She gained weight, ran up and down the stairs with the boys and went on long walks.  That is when she wasn't busy opening the refrigerator to "shop, share and enjoy the goodies inside."  We were honored and blessed to have this "Kindred Spirit" share her time with us (15 months and 3 days), as she inspired, comforted, and continued to bring joy to our lives every day!